Fiberglass Top Repair

[stick72]

To give some background, the single wall top I have is in need of some repair. Overall its not in horrible shape, but the biggest problem I have was that one of the front bolts that secure the top to the frame was a "spinner" I didn't have any way to remove the top.

I drilled out the head to get the top off, but that still left me with the problem of the bolt spinning.

I couldn't find any pictures of this repair, so I thought I would post some of what you will run into is you need to do the repair.

First step was for me to cut a hole on the top, I used a 2 inch hole saw, I made some line across a center hole, hoping I could re-use the hole I cut out later for the repair.

From this picture you can somewhat see the nut and bolt sticking up from below

[stick72]

You can see previous attempts at drilling through the bolt. It was basically a waste of time, but I think I was procrastinating on drilling a two in hole in the top.

[stick72]

I then drilled out the two rivets from the inside of the top. That allowed me to remove the cage nut that is in the top.

I'm searching to see if there is any type of cage nut I can buy to just replace this whole assembly. If there isn't, I will have to replace the nut inside the cage.

[87Skier]

I've been wondering what was actually up there. Both mine spin like yours.

As far as new cage nuts, I know that they still sell them. I found some for my door panels at my local Ace Hardware or True Value. I would probably advise against using the entire cage nut though. They just pop in and I wouldn't trust them to stay in place.

[stick72]

Thanks, I will check out the local hardware store. I found the square nuts, and can rebuilt this if I have to, but would rather a new assembly.

I figured posting the pictures might help someone else as well, I had put off cutting into the top but once I did I realized I wouldn't have found a different way to fix the problem

[1rippen6]

I may have some of these from tops I have cut apart I can check if you like.

[stick72]

That would be great, thanks!

[cleszkie]

If it were me, I would just remove the old nut by cutting one leg of the cage to bend it up. I would then install a stainless nut, bend the cage back down, tack weld it back closed, give the cage a coat of paint, and call it good. Then, for good measure, I would always use a little anti-seize on the bolt to make sure it never corrodes to the nut again, ensuring easy removal.

[1rippen6]

I didn't forget about you will look tomorrow.

[1rippen6]

The only one I had 5 if interested plus shipping pm me your zip and I can get you a quote.

[1rippen6]

Forgot to add picture LOL not the first time

[Blazerowner]

I second this idea but if you are wanting to keep those cage nuts I would blast all the rust off and coat it with a good paint. Maybe even por15 to keep the rust away which you can paint right over the rust. I have a spinner in my single wall top but someone cut a hole in the bottom right next to it. I'm not sure if I can even get to it though let alone remove the assembly.

Originally Posted by cleszkie

If it were me, I would just remove the old nut by cutting one leg of the cage to bend it up. I would then install a stainless nut, bend the cage back down, tack weld it back closed, give the cage a coat of paint, and call it good. Then, for good measure, I would always use a little anti-seize on the bolt to make sure it never corrodes to the nut again, ensuring easy removal.

[jondancer]

Good info , I have a spinner too

[1rippen6]

Originally Posted by jondancer

Good info , I have a spinner too

I may have another cage nut if interested

[stangtjk]

I had the same issue on both sides of my double wall top... I used the same method to remove them (hole saw from the top). The nuts we're ok but the tack on the sides of the cage had come loose allowing it to spread. I put a full weld bead down the sides of the cage to make certain it didn't happen again. I'd recommend doing the same while you have it out.

[GM man]

Seems to me that double wall tops are a pain in the butt for a bunch of reasons.

[jeffg1010]

Subscribed. I am also the owner of a spinner

[Jesse B.]

McMaster-Carr sells new cage nuts.

https://www.mcmaster.com/

or

https://www.mcmaster.com/#cage-nuts/=1aw8gib

[Blazerowner]

I've used the aligning weld nuts to install a rear seat in my 72. Really nice quality and better than original. I will probably use them if I ever get time to restore my top.

Originally Posted by Jesse B.

McMaster-Carr sells new cage nuts.

https://www.mcmaster.com/

or

https://www.mcmaster.com/#cage-nuts/=1aw8gib

[jjzepplin]

Nice website.

[jondancer]

Originally Posted by Jesse B.

McMaster-Carr sells new cage nuts.

https://www.mcmaster.com/

or

https://www.mcmaster.com/#cage-nuts/=1aw8gib

Which part number are you guys ordering ?

[Blazerowner]

I would just find out what the original size bolt is and get the same. I don’t remember what mine are but they are all pretty standard. When I ordered some for my rear seat I bought some grade 8 bolts the same size as the original and ordered the same size cage nuts. They can be welded in and they are extremely strong. I don’t worry about my seat pulling out at all in a wreck. I’m sure they would work for the top. The plate on them can be drilled and riveted like the originals.

[Blazerowner]

Just found this after a quick search.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=264192